Speech

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Address by the Prime Minister on new measures to enhance the safety of Canadians

June 16, 2006
Toronto, Ontario

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I am pleased to be here with you today at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, and to be joined by Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

I would like to thank John Kaldeway, President and CEO of the GTAA and his staff who are with us today,

– As well as Dwayne Hihn, General Manager of Bax Global, who is hosting us here in this facility.

One does not need to be a pollster to know that Canadians are increasingly concerned about national security.

We talk about it at school.

In coffee shops.

And at the dinner table.

Canadians have seen attacks by Al-Qaeda and other similar groups throughout the world.

Attacks that have shaken nations.

Killed innocent civilians.

Even Canadians.

We know that Al-Qaeda has identified Canada as a terror target.

And recent arrests in the Toronto area have reminded Canadians of these realities.

Canada’s new government shares this concern,

That’s why we’re playing a leading role in helping to re-build Afghanistan, a former safe haven for Al-Qaeda.

That’s why CSIS, our national intelligence agency, is actively working with other agencies throughout the world.

And that’s why our government has taken proactive measures to cut off funding to various international terrorist organizations.

But tackling terror is not just something governments do abroad.

As experience has shown around the world, the risk is often domestic.

And we have to be vigilant.

That’s why Canada’s new government is:

• Conducting a thorough review of our country’s anti-terrorism legislation;
• Improving security at our borders;
• And now, introducing new measures to better protect our transportation systems.

In recent years, a number of European nations have had their transportation systems targeted and hit by terrorist groups.

We need to ensure that Canada does all we can to prevent terrorism at home, and that we are ready and able to respond should a terrorist attack occur on Canadian soil.

That’s why I am pleased to announce today that we are undertaking four important new counter-terrorism initiatives designed to improve the safety and security of various types of land, air and sea travel.

First, we are going to bolster security at Canada’s airports.

Passenger luggage and air cargo that moves through airports like Pearson International will be subject to even more thorough scanning than now occurs.

Special attention will be paid to cargo ferried on passenger planes.

Second, we are providing more resources for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

CATSA is responsible for screening passengers, checking passports and protecting travellers.

It does an excellent job already, but this initiative will help them adapt and make them even better.

Third, we are boosting protection for our rail system.

Passenger trains, light rail transit, subways and their stations will all be safer as a result of these actions.

Finally, we intend to upgrade marine port security. Specifically, we will help domestic ferry operators make their vessels more secure.

And, through the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program, we will institute a comprehensive system of background checks for port workers.

These actions are comprehensive and important. The total cost of these new measures will be over one quarter billion dollars over the next 2 years.

This is how the fight against terrorism will be won. Modernizing equipment and procedures, plugging the holes, filling the gaps, thinking one step ahead of the agents of hate and terror.

We are working closely with our partners to make sure all the agencies and organizations involved in this effort are working together to ensure coordinated responses to threats.

Including the various police services and intelligence units.

The recent arrests of alleged terrorist conspirators in Toronto demonstrate the effectiveness of inter-agency co-operation.

Those arrests involved the use of Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams, or INSETS.

The teams combine the personnel, resources and expertise of the RCMP, CSIS and provincial and municipal police services.

Collectively they represent Canada’s formidable capacity to identify and prevent potential terrorist threats.

This is the type of success we plan to build on.

Ladies and gentlemen, the situation is clear.

Canada can choose to ignore terrorism – and suffer the consequences.

Or we can take action – and keep Canadians safe.

We’re going to act.

And we’re going to act now.

The measures our government is announcing today will help us do a better job of safeguarding our transportation systems and keeping Canadians safe.

Thank you.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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